Eleanor Hallowell Abbott
The Stingy Receiver
"The Stingy Receiver" by Eleanor Hallowell Abbott is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Mrs. Tome Gallien, a wealthy, headstrong woman who is recovering from an accident and engages in a series of humorous yet thought-provoking exchanges with her young doctor, Sam Kendrue. As they navigate their interactions, themes of gratitude, generosity, and the complexities of human relationships emerge, and the dynamic between giver and receiver is put to the test. At the start of the novel, we meet Mrs. Gallien and the Young Doctor during an interesting conversation in her sickroom. As he urges her to make a wish for her recovery, she surprises him by expressing a desire for letters and packages, revealing her love for shopping as a source of joy. The dialogue between them is marked by wit and irony, particularly as Mrs. Gallien laments what she perceives as the stinginess of those who receive gifts without gratitude. When Mrs. Gallien takes it upon herself to ensure her doctor’s life becomes more exciting, the story takes an unexpected turn, leading to humorous revelations and a reflection on the nature of giving and receiving.